Bathroom odour elimination system

ABSTRACT

A suctioning toilet seat system comprises a main toilet seat body and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main toilet seat body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the main toilet seat body. A hose connects the outlet in fluid communication with a fan. An optional filter means is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the fan.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems for ventilating bathrooms, andmore particularly to systems for ventilating toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that often after using the toilet of a bathroom, iscommon to leave a bathroom malodorous for a period of time thereafter.This is highly undesirable, especially for a person using the samebathroom immediately thereafter. Further, germs and bacteria are presentwhen such odour exists, which may spread illness. It is therefore highlydesirable to eliminate such odors as quickly and fully as possible.

It is universally known to use bathroom fans mounted in the ceiling orin the wall of a bathroom, to remove such odors. It is well known,however, that such bathroom fans are only somewhat effective in clearingthe malodorous air from an entire bathroom. This is largely due to thefact that the odour is not being eliminated at the source. Instead, itis first travelling through the entire room. Typically, it takes severalminutes, and perhaps even close to half an hour, to clear an entirebathroom of malodorous air. This is unacceptable for a person using abathroom immediately afterwards.

It is also common to use an air freshener in a bathroom after thebathroom has been made malodorous. This approach merely masks the odorand does not solve the problem. Further, in public or common areas, suchas in a hospital or place of employment, using an air freshener isunacceptable since it would contain a perfume or the like that mightcause an allergic reaction in some persons. Moreover, such airfresheners typically come in aerosol cans. Tens of millions of cans ofair freshener are used every year just to eliminate odours in bathrooms,which is harmful to the environment.

Various patents illustrate a more useful means to try to overcome thisproblem, including having a suctioning device disposed at the toilet,even in the toilet seat itself.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,581 issued Apr. 29, 2003 to Lee discloses an OdourExhausting Apparatus for Water Closet, wherein a toilet seat has acavity and a plurality of odour suction ports, a tubular hinge joint andan odour outlet port. A connection pipe having an inlet port is setwithin the hinge joint. A seat cover is coupled to the connection pipe.A tubular shaft having an inlet port is rotatably set within theconnection pipe and communicates with the atmosphere outside the housethrough a pipe line. When the cover is opened, the port communicateswith the port of the seat through the port of the connection pipe;however, when the cover is closed, the port is closed by the side wallof the connection pipe. This is disadvantageous as it would be desirableto suction odour from a toilet even when the cover is closed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,319 issued Oct. 7, 2003 to Simpson discloses an AirVentilation System in a standard toilet seat. The filtration system isdisposed within the rear half portion of the toilet seat and has aplurality of ventilation passageways connected to two primaryventilation pathways located in the rear of the toilet seat, which is inturn connected to a filtration system via a hose. This system wouldpermit a significant amount of odour from within a toilet bowl toescape.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,638 issued Dec. 22, 1998 to Her discloses a ToiletVentilation System, has a “C”-shaped ventilation housing that isdisposed within a toilet seat. There are two multiple openings adjacentthe front end of the toilet seat and two multiple openings adjacent theback end of the toilet seat, thus providing inferior ventilationcoverage for the toilet bowl. Further, the electric air pump is hung onthe toilet bowl, which is potentially dangerous.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,370 issued Aug. 1, 1978 to Arnold discloses anOdourless Water Closet, having an intake manifold interposed between theseat and a top periphery of the bowl. A suction blower is arranged todraw gases from the manifold and deliver them to sewer connection beyondthe water trap. An electric motor is disposed within the toilet tank,which is potentially quite dangerous.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,023 issued Jun. 13, 1978 to Smith discloses aVentilated Toilet Seat, having on its underside a suction tube havingperforations. Air that is suctioned in through the perforations isdischarged through a tube into the toilet discharge passage.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,563 issued Jan. 30, 2001 to Helfet discloses aToilet Deodorizer, comprising a pump housing in the form of a cylinderand piston. The cylinder is mounted on the movable toilet seat of aconventional toilet. When a person sits on the toilet seat, the toiletseat moves thus causing the piston to be moved with the cylinder,thereby causing liquid to be dispensed from a pump chamber through anoutlet valve.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toiletseat system that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toiletseat that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toiletseat attachment that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a suctioning toiletbowl that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat system comprises a main toiletseat body having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottomsurface, and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the maintoilet seat body. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluidcommunication with an outlet in the main toilet seat body. There aremeans for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with a source ofair suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluidcommunication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the sourceof air suction.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat system comprises a main body,and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main body. Theplurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with anoutlet in the main body. There are means for connecting the outlet influid communication with a source of air suction. An optional filtermeans is connected in fluid communication with the outlet for filteringair suctioned by the source of air suction.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat system comprises a toilet bowlhaving a front end and a back end, and a plurality of suctioningapertures disposed in the toilet bowl. The plurality of suctioningapertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the toilet bowl.There are means for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with asource of air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluidcommunication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the sourceof air suction.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat comprises a main toilet seatbody having a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface,and a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main toilet seatbody. The plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communicationwith an outlet in the main toilet seat body.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat attachment comprises a mainbody, a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed in the main body. Theplurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication with anoutlet in the main body.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there isdisclosed a novel suctioning toilet seat bowl comprises a toilet bowlhaving a front end and a back end, and a plurality of suctioningapertures disposed in the toilet bowl. The plurality of suctioningapertures are in fluid communication with an outlet in the toilet bowl.There are means for connecting the outlet in fluid communication with asource of air suction. An optional filter means is connected in fluidcommunication with the outlet for filtering air suctioned by the sourceof air suction.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofthe structure, and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly describedherein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present invention, as toits structure, organization, use and method of operation, together withfurther objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understoodfrom the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment ofthe invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only, and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the suctioning toilet seat system of FIG.1, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantomfor the sake of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the suctioning toilet seat of thesuctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 1, with a portion of thesuctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the suctioning toilet seat of FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partially cut away view of a “T”-joint of thesuctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a second preferred embodiment ofthe suctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a third preferred embodiment suctioningtoilet seat system according to the present invention, with a portion ofthe suctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake ofclarity;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the suctioning toilet seat of thesuctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 7, with a portion of thesuctioning toilet seat system shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a fourth preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom, with a portion of the suctioning toilet seatsystem shown in phantom for the sake of clarity;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a fifth preferred embodiment ofthe suctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a suctioning toilet seat attachment thatis part of a sixth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seatsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the suctioning toilet seatattachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the sixth preferred embodimentsuctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a seventh preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a eighth preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of a ninth preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a tenth preferred embodiment ofthe suctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the suctioning toilet bowl of the tenthpreferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a eleventh preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 20 is a rear elevational view of a twelfth preferred embodiment ofthe suctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the twelfth preferred embodimentsuctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a thirteenth preferred embodimentof the suctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fourteenth preferred embodiment ofthe suctioning toilet seat system according to the present inventioninstalled in a bathroom; and,

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the fourteenth preferred embodimentsuctioning toilet seat system of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 24 of the drawings, it will be noted thatFIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate the first preferred embodiment of thesuctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 6illustrates the second preferred embodiment of the suctioning toiletseat system of the present invention, FIGS. 7 through 8 illustrate thethird preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of thepresent invention, FIG. 9 illustrates the fourth preferred embodiment ofthe suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIGS. 10through 12 illustrate the fifth preferred embodiment of the suctioningtoilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 13 illustrates thesixth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of thepresent invention, FIG. 14 illustrates the seventh preferred embodimentof the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 15illustrates the eighth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toiletseat system of the present invention, FIG. 16 illustrates the ninthpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention, FIGS. 17 through 18 illustrate the tenth preferred embodimentof the suctioning toilet seat system of the present invention, FIG. 19illustrates the eleventh preferred embodiment of the suctioning toiletseat system of the present invention, FIGS. 20 through 21 illustrate thetwelfth preferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of thepresent invention, FIG. 22 illustrates the thirteenth preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention, and FIGS. 23 through 24 illustrate the fourteenth preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 5, which show a firstpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The suctioningtoilet seat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 20,comprises a main toilet seat body 30 having a front end 31, a back end32, a top surface 33 and a bottom surface 34, and is otherwiseconventionally shaped for placement onto standard toilet bowls.

A plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are preferably disposed in themain toilet seat body 30, preferably in the bottom surface of the maintoilet seat body 30, in order to minimize the occurrence of foreignmaterials entering the suctioning apertures 40.

The plurality of suctioning apertures 40 are in fluid communication viaan internal passageway 42 with at least one outlet in the main toiletseat body 30. In the first preferred as illustrated, the main toiletseat body 30 comprises a first outlet 44 and a second outlet 45 disposedat the back end 32 of the main toilet seat body 30.

The main toilet seat body 30 is preferably molded from a suitableplastic material, for purposes of ease of manufacture, costeffectiveness, structural strength, among others. The molded main toiletseat body 30 has a first molded portion 30 a and a second molded portion30 b. In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the firstmolded portion 30 a is an inner molded portion and the second moldedportion 30 b is an outer molded portion. The plurality of suctioningapertures 40 and the internal passageway 42 are defined between theinner molded portion 30 a and the outer molded portion 30 b.

In order to maximize effectiveness of overall air removal, the pluralityof suctioning apertures 40 are disposed substantially alongsubstantially the entire curved length of the main toilet seat body 30.Further, in order to maximize suctioning effectiveness of the pluralityof suctioning apertures 40, the plurality of suctioning apertures 40 arelarger in cross-section adjacent the front of the main toilet seat body30 and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of the main toiletseat body 30.

There is also means for connecting 50 the first outlet 44 and the secondoutlet 25 in fluid communication with a source of air suction 60. Thismeans comprises a first length of hose 50 a secured at one end in fluidcommunication to the first outlet 44 and secured at an opposite otherend to a first arm of a “T”-joint 52. This means further comprises asecond length of hose 50 b secured at one end in fluid communication tothe second outlet 45 and secured at an opposite other end to a secondarm of the “T”-joint 52. The base of the “T”-joint 52 is connected influid communication to an optional filter means 70 that is in turnconnected to a source of air suction 60. The source of air suction 60preferably comprises an electrically powered extractor fan 60 mounted onthe wall 82 of a bathroom 84. More specifically, the extractor fan 60 ismounted on a PVC pipe 80 that extends into the wall 82 of the bathroom84 and connects to a main vertical PVC pipe 86 that is vented to theambient atmosphere. Preferably the housing of the fan is narrow so as toreadily fit onto the PVC pipe 80. The fan 70 and the filter 60 should bedesigned in terms of size, shape and structure, to fit together and fitonto a PVC pipe, and therefore be modular, thus saving on additionalunnecessary manufacturing and development costs.

The extractor fan 60 should produce about five to ten cubic feet perminute (c.f.m.) of air flow and should be as quiet as reasonablypossible.

As can be seen in the Figures, the filter means 70 is thereby connectedin fluid communication with the first outlet 44 and the second outlet 45for filtering air suctioned by the fan 60. The filter means 70 comprisesa charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, orany other suitable type of filter.

There is also a pneumatic switch 88 mounted on the main toilet seat body30, on the bottom surface thereof, such that the pneumatic switch 88 isoperable when a person sits on the main toilet seat body 30. Thepneumatic switch 88 operates a pneumatically actuated electrical switch(not specifically shown) on the fan.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 6, which shows a second preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The second preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 220, is almostidentical to the first preferred embodiment the suctioning toilet seatsystem 20, except that there is no filter. The base of the “T”-joint 252is connected in fluid communication to a fan 260.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 7 and 8, which show a thirdpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. In this third preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 320, the maintoilet seat body 330 comprises a first outlet 344 and a second outlet345 each disposed in the hinge area of the main toilet seat body 330. Inthis manner, the raising and lowering of the main toilet seat body 330does not actually move the ends of the hoses 350 a,350 b.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 9, which shows a fourth preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The fourth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 420, is similar tothe third preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 20, exceptthat the hoses 450 a, 450 b connect directly to the filter 470, thuseliminating the need for the “T”-joint. The filter 470 comprises acharcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or anyother suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 10, which shows a fifth preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. In this fifth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 520, the fan 570is disposed within an independent housing 572 that exhausts to abathroom 584. Accordingly, third preferred embodiment suctioning toiletseat system 520 is easier and less expensive to install than is thefirst preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 20.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 11 through 13, which show a sixthpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. In this sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 620, thesuctioning toilet seat system 620 comprises a main body 630 that is inthe form of a flexible plastic tube having opposed first and second ends631,632. The main body includes an adhesive 634 thereon for adhering themain body to the underside of a conventional toilet seat 622.Preferably, the adhesive comprises double sided adhesive pads, but otherforms are also suitable. The main body 630 is thereby removablymountable to the underside of a conventional toilet seat 622, and may beremoved and disposed of, and replaced by another one of the same units.

There are a plurality of suctioning apertures 640 disposed in the mainbody 630, preferably disposed substantially along substantially theentire length of the tube. The plurality of suctioning apertures 640 arelarger in cross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in themiddle of the tube. The plurality of suctioning apertures 640 are influid communication via an internal passageway with a first outlet 644disposed at the first end 631 of the main body 630 and with a secondoutlet 645 disposed at the second end 632 of the main body 630.

There is also means 650 for connecting the first outlet 644 and thesecond outlet 645 in fluid communication with a source of air suction660 that preferably comprises an electrically powered extractor fandisposed within an independent housing that exhausts to a bathroom. Thismeans comprises a “Y”-joint 652 connected in fluid communication to eachof the first outlet 644 and the second outlet 645. A length of hose 646secured at one end in fluid communication to the base of the “Y”-joint652 and is secured at an opposite other end to the extractor fan 660,which is itself connected to a filter means 670. The filter means 670 isthereby connected in fluid communication with the first outlet 644 andthe second outlet 645 for filtering air suctioned by the fan 670. Thefilter means 670 comprises a carbon filter, as illustrated, or any othersuitable type of filter.

In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated) it is contemplated thatone end of the tube could be closed off and the other end of the tubecould be connected in fluid communication with the filter and fan.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 14, which shows a seventh preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The seventh preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 720, is similar tothe sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system 620, exceptthat the first end 731 of the main body 730 is connected in fluidcommunication via hose 750 a to a nipple 759 a on an attachment member759 that is connected in fluid communication via hose 750 b to theextractor fan 760, and the second end 732 of the main body 730 isconnected to another nipple 759 b on the attachment member 759. Thefilter means 770 comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPAfilter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 15, which shows a eighth preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The eighth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 820, similar tothe sixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system, exceptthat the fan 860 is connected directly to a PVC pipe 885 projectingoutwardly from the wall 882 whereat it is connected to a main verticalPVC pipe 886. The fan 860 (and the filter 760 in the seventh preferredembodiment) should be designed in terms of size, shape and structure, tofit together and fit onto a PVC pipe, and therefore be modular, thussaving on additional unnecessary manufacturing and development costs.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 16, which shows a ninth preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The ninth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system,as indicated by the general reference numeral 920, is similar to thesixth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system except that thesecond end 932 of the main body 930 is closed off, and the first end 931of the main body has an intermediate hose 950 a connected thereto, whichintermediate hose 950 a is connected in fluid communication to a mainhose 950 b. The main hose 950 b is connected in fluid communication tothe extractor fan 960 and the filter 970. The filter 970 comprises acharcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or anyother suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 17 and 18, which show a tenthpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. In this tenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1020, thesuctioning toilet seat system 1020 comprises a toilet bowl 1030 having afront end 1031 and a back end 1032. A plurality of suctioning apertures1040 are disposed in the toilet bowl 1030 above the waterline, andpreferably as close to the top of the toilet bowl as possible, to be asnear to the source of odour as reasonably practical. The plurality ofsuctioning apertures 1040 are in fluid communication via an internalpassageway 1042 with an outlet 1044 in the toilet bowl 1030, preferablydisposed at the back end of the toilet bowl 1030.

In order to maximize effectiveness of overall air removal, the pluralityof suctioning apertures 1040 are disposed substantially alongsubstantially the entire curved length of the toilet bowl 1030. Further,in order to maximize suctioning effectiveness of the plurality ofsuctioning apertures 1040, the plurality of suctioning apertures 1040are larger in cross-section adjacent the front of the toilet bowl 1030and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of the toilet bowl 1030.

There is also means 1050 for connecting the outlet 1044 in fluidcommunication with a source of air suction 1060 that preferablycomprises an electrically powered fan 1060 mounted in the toilet bowl1030 at the outlet thereof. This means comprises a length of hose 1050secured at one end in fluid communication to the outlet 1044 and securedat an opposite other end to an optional filter means 1070 thatpreferably comprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter,an ULPA filter, or any other suitable type of filter. The filter means1070 is thereby connected in fluid communication with the outlet forfiltering air suctioned by the fan 1060. The carbon filter 1070 ismounted on a PVC pipe 1080 that extends into the wall 1082 of thebathroom 1084 and connects to a main PVC pipe 1086 that is vented to theambient atmosphere.

An electrical switch 1088 mounted in the wall is used to control theelectrically powered fan, as needed.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 19, which shows an eleventh preferredembodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The eleventh preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1120, except thatone end of the hose 1150 a is connected at one end to a nipple 1150 a onthe toilet bowl 1130 and the opposite other end of the hose 1150 a isconnected to a nipple 1159 a on an attachment member 1159 that is itselfconnected to the extractor fan 1160, and one end of the hose 1150 b isconnected at one end to another nipple 1130 b on the toilet bowl 1130and the opposite other end of the hose 1150 b is connected to anothernipple 1159 b on the attachment member 1159.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 20 and 21, which show a twelfthpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The twelfth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1220, is similarto the tenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system exceptthat the filter 1270 and the extractor fan 1260 are connected directlyto the toilet bowl 1230. The filter 1270 is removable and replaceableand merely slides out of its housing through a side opening 1271, andcomprises a charcoal filter, a carbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPAfilter, or any other suitable type of filter.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 22, which shows a thirteenthpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. In this thirteenth preferred embodiment suctioning toiletseat system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1320, the fan1370 is disposed within an independent housing 1372 that exhausts to abathroom 1384. Accordingly, thirteenth preferred embodiment suctioningtoilet seat system 1320 is easier and less expensive to install than isthe eleventh preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seat system.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 23 and 24, which show a fourteenthpreferred embodiment of the suctioning toilet seat system of the presentinvention. The fourteenth preferred embodiment suctioning toilet seatsystem, as indicated by the general reference numeral 1420, is installedin a portable bathroom (or outhouse) 1421, the suctioning toilet seatsystem 1420 comprises a main body 1430 that is in the form of a flexibleplastic tube having opposed first and second ends 1431,1432. The mainbody includes an adhesive 1434 thereon for adhering the main body to thetop surface of the seat platform of the portable bathroom 1421,immediately adjacent the conventional toilet seat 1422. Preferably, theadhesive comprises double sided adhesive pads, but other forms are alsosuitable. The main body 1430 is thereby removably mountable to the seatplatform 1423 of the portable bathroom 1421, and may be removed anddisposed of, and replaced by another one of the same units.

There is a plurality of suctioning apertures 1440 disposed in the mainbody 1430, preferably disposed substantially along substantially theentire length of the tube. The suctioning apertures 1440 are larger incross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in the middle ofthe tube. The suctioning apertures 1440 are in fluid communication viaan internal passageway with a first outlet 1444 of the main body 1430and with a second outlet 1445 of the main body 1430.

There is also means 1450 for connecting the first outlet 1444 and thesecond outlet 1445 in fluid communication with a source of air suction1460 that preferably comprises an electrically powered extractor fandisposed within an independent housing that exhausts to the exterior ofthe portable bathroom 1421 through a vent 1423 to the roof 1425. Thismeans comprises a “T”-joint 1452 connected in fluid communication toeach of the first outlet 1444 and the second outlet 1445. A length ofhose 1446 secured at one end in fluid communication to the base of the“T”-joint 1452 and is secured at an opposite other end to the extractorfan 1460. The extractor fan 1460 is powered by a solar cell 1461 on theroof 1425 of the portable bathroom 1421 as connected by wires 1462. Anoptional filter means (not shown) which may be a charcoal filter, acarbon filter, a HEPA filter, an ULPA filter, or any other suitable typeof filter, may be connected in series with the extractor fan 1460.

As can be understood from the above description and from theaccompanying drawings, the present invention provides a suctioningtoilet seat system, a suctioning toilet seat, a suctioning toilet seatattachment, and a suctioning toilet bowl that overcome the deficienciesof the prior art, and that eliminates odours from bathrooms right at thesource, controls germs and bacteria, significantly reduces the use ofair fresheners, including those in aerosol cans, thus helping theenvironment.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those whoare knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention. Forinstance, in any of the above embodiments having both a filter and anextractor fan, the order of the filter and the extractor fan may bereversed. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used inthe design and manufacture of the mobile large area surface cleaningapparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit andscope of the accompanying claims.

1. A suctioning toilet seat system comprising: a main toilet seat bodyhaving a front end, a back end, a top surface and a bottom surface; aplurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said main toilet seatbody; wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluidcommunication via an internal passageway with an outlet in said maintoilet seat body; and, means for connecting said outlet in fluidcommunication with a source of air suction.
 2. The suctioning toiletseat system of claim 1, wherein said main toilet seat body is molded. 3.The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said molded maintoilet seat body has a first molded portion and a second molded portion,with said plurality of suctioning apertures and said internal passagewaydefined therebetween.
 4. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 3,wherein said first molded portion is an inner molded portion and saidsecond molded portion is an outer molded portion.
 5. The suctioningtoilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of suctioningapertures are disposed substantially along substantially the entirecurved length of said main toilet seat body.
 6. The suctioning toiletseat system of claim 1, wherein said outlet is disposed at the back endof said main toilet seat body.
 7. The suctioning toilet seat system ofclaim 6, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger incross-section adjacent the front of said main toilet seat body andsmaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of said main toilet seatbody.
 8. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, furthercomprising a pneumatic switch mounted on said main toilet seat body suchthat said pneumatic switch is operable when a person sits on said maintoilet seat body.
 9. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1,wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposed in thebottom surface of said main toilet seat body.
 10. The suctioning toiletseat system of claim 1, wherein said source of air suction comprises afan.
 11. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 10, wherein said fanis mounted on the wall of a bathroom.
 12. The suctioning toilet seatsystem of claim 10, wherein said fan is disposed within an independenthousing that exhausts to a bathroom.
 13. The suctioning toilet seatsystem of claim 1, wherein said filter means comprises a carbon filter.14. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 1, wherein said maintoilet seat body further comprises a second outlet.
 15. The suctioningtoilet seat system of claim 1, further comprising filter means connectedin fluid communication with said outlet for filtering air suctioned bysaid source of air suction.
 16. A suctioning toilet seat systemcomprising: a main body; a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed insaid main body; wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are influid communication via an internal passageway with an outlet in saidmain body; and, means for connecting said outlet in fluid communicationwith a source of air suction.
 17. The suctioning toilet seat system ofclaim 16, wherein said main body comprises a tube having opposed ends.18. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 17, wherein saidplurality of suctioning apertures are disposed substantially alongsubstantially the entire length of said tube.
 19. The suctioning toiletseat system of claim 16, wherein said plurality of suctioning aperturesare larger in cross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller inthe middle of the tube.
 20. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim19, wherein said fan is disposed within an independent housing thatexhausts to a bathroom.
 21. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim16, wherein said filter means comprises a carbon filter.
 22. Thesuctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, wherein said main body isdisposable.
 23. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 16, whereinsaid main body includes an adhesive thereon for adhering said main bodyto the underside of a conventional toilet seat.
 24. The suctioningtoilet seat system of claim 16, further comprising filter meansconnected in fluid communication with said outlet for filtering airsuctioned by said source of air suction.
 25. A suctioning toilet seatsystem comprising: a toilet bowl having a front end and a back end; aplurality of suctioning apertures disposed in said toilet bowl; whereinsaid plurality of suctioning apertures are in fluid communication via aninternal passageway with an outlet in said toilet bowl; and, means forconnecting said outlet in fluid communication with a source of airsuction.
 26. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, wherein saidoutlet is disposed at the back end of said toilet bowl.
 27. Thesuctioning toilet seat system of claim 26, wherein said plurality ofsuctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the front ofsaid toilet bowl and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear of saidtoilet bowl.
 28. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, whereinsaid source of air suction comprises a fan.
 29. The suctioning toiletseat system of claim 28, wherein said fan is mounted in the toilet bowl.30. The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 28, wherein said fan isdisposed within an independent housing that exhausts to a bathroom. 31.The suctioning toilet seat system of claim 25, wherein said filter meanscomprises a carbon filter.
 32. The suctioning toilet seat system ofclaim 25, further comprising filter means connected in fluidcommunication with said outlet for filtering air suctioned by saidsource of air suction.
 33. A suctioning toilet seat comprising: a maintoilet seat body having a front end, a back end, a top surface and abottom surface; and, a plurality of suctioning apertures disposed insaid main toilet seat body; wherein said plurality of suctioningapertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with anoutlet in said main toilet seat body.
 34. The suctioning toilet seat ofclaim 33, wherein said main toilet seat body is molded.
 35. Thesuctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said molded main toilet seatbody has a first molded portion and a second molded portion, with saidplurality of suctioning apertures and said internal passageway definedtherebetween.
 36. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 35, wherein saidfirst molded portion is an inner molded portion and said second moldedportion is an outer molded portion.
 37. The suctioning toilet seat ofclaim 33, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are disposedsubstantially along substantially the entire curved length of said maintoilet seat body.
 38. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 33, whereinsaid outlet is disposed at the back end of said main toilet seat body.39. The suctioning toilet seat of claim 38, wherein said plurality ofsuctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the front ofsaid main toilet seat body and smaller in cross-section adjacent therear of said main toilet seat body.
 40. The suctioning toilet seat ofclaim 33, further comprising a pneumatic switch mounted on said maintoilet seat body such that said pneumatic switch is operable when aperson sits on said main toilet seat body.
 41. The suctioning toiletseat of claim 33, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures aredisposed in the bottom surface of said main toilet seat body.
 42. Thesuctioning toilet seat of claim 33, wherein said main toilet seat bodyfurther comprises a second outlet.
 43. A suctioning toilet seatattachment comprising: a main body; and, a plurality of suctioningapertures disposed in said main body; wherein said plurality ofsuctioning apertures are in fluid communication via an internalpassageway with an outlet in said main body.
 44. The suctioning toiletseat attachment of claim 43, wherein said main body comprises a tubehaving opposed ends.
 45. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim44, wherein said tube further comprises a second outlet.
 46. Thesuctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 44, wherein said plurality ofsuctioning apertures are disposed substantially along substantially theentire length of said tube.
 47. The suctioning toilet seat attachment ofclaim 46, wherein said plurality of suctioning apertures are larger incross-section adjacent the ends of the tube and smaller in the middle ofthe tube.
 48. The suctioning toilet seat attachment of claim 43, whereinsaid main body is disposable.
 49. The suctioning toilet seat attachmentof claim 43, wherein said main body includes an adhesive thereon foradhering said main body to the underside of a conventional toilet seat.50. A suctioning toilet seat bowl comprising: a toilet bowl having afront end and a back end; and, a plurality of suctioning aperturesdisposed in said toilet bowl; wherein said plurality of suctioningapertures are in fluid communication via an internal passageway with anoutlet in said toilet bowl.
 51. The suctioning toilet seat bowl of claim50, wherein said outlet is disposed at the back end of said toilet bowl.52. The suctioning toilet seat bowl of claim 50, wherein said pluralityof suctioning apertures are larger in cross-section adjacent the frontof said toilet bowl and smaller in cross-section adjacent the rear ofsaid toilet bowl.